By Gina Caswell Kelly
As you know, I get to be on the sidelines at football, taking pictures. One of the jillion perks of this is that I get to be on the sidelines with my grandson. I really enjoy that. I try hard to stay out of his way and not run to his side every time he comes out of the game, even though that is where I want to be! Last week, he had hurt his foot. He came over to where I was and was standing there trying to take his shoe and sock off, but losing his balance. I told him to lean on me for security to not fall. He did this and was able to get his sock and shoe off and on without falling over. This is a pretty boring story, isn’t it? The action was over in less than two minutes. Two minutes of my life and his life.
I thought then and it is obviously still on my mind, that when I told B he could lean on me for security to not fall, that this is what I hope I have been saying to him all his life with all my life. I want to be the Grandma that he can depend on. I want this for all my grandkids, and even all my adopted grandkids that may also be on that same football team, or the volleyball team, or whatever sport might be in season. I want my life to always show all these kiddos around me that I really do care, and when I tell them that I love them, which I often do, I mean it with all my heart. When they hurt, I hurt. When they have a problem, I want to be one that they know they can trust with what bothers them. I want to be one that they can lean on for security.
But more than all that, I hope my life is one that points them to the Savior. I want to be one who can say without saying anything at all that there is more to life than what they can see in front of them. I want to always show God in my life, especially when I am around these kids. I don’t want to ever let them down with my behavior. I want to live a Christlike life in front of them, and even when they are not looking.
I know that my time with these kids is growing shorter. I am so very blessed that God has allowed me to continue to have a relationship with these kids even at my very advanced age!
It really is not that hard to make a difference in the life of a kid. I am not at all special! You just have to show them that you care. The sad truth is that there are some of these kiddos who really do not have the security of knowing who loves them and who will be there for them. If you have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, especially a teenager, do it! We just have such a small window of opportunity with them. Make a difference in the life of one of these kiddos today!
